Biofeedback Evaluation!! Flashcards
STRENGTH: RESEARCH EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT!
Lemaire (2011) : trained medical doctors to use a biofeedback device 3x a day, 28 days. Questionnaire - report their perception of how stressed they were
Mean stress score for biofeedback users = significantly lower than mean stress score of control group (no biofeedback)
Biofeedback improves psychological state of someone experiencing stress
LIMIT: EFFECTIVENESS DEPENDS ON WHAT IS MEASURED
Lemaire (2011) found: biofeedback had little effect on objective, physiological indicators of stress response e.g. cortisol levels
Effectiveness depends on what is measured. Can make someone ‘feel’ better, but effects on stress-related risk factors for CVD unclear
Biofeedback no more effective than other therapies in treating high blood pressure e.g. a CVD. No more effective than a placebo / no biofeedback
STRENGTH: CONVENIENT METHOD
Most devices the size of a phone. Device changes colour e.g. by client changing their breathing to reduce heart rate
Rapid development in ‘wearable technology’ e.g. smartwatches. should be cheaper, more accessible, easier to use in every-day situations
Client’s aim: Encouraged to go through ‘withdrawal’ - but dependency on device is much less harmful to health than dependency on drugs - for drug therapy
LIMIT: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN BIOFEEDBACK
Ppl need to understand relationship between physiological reaction & auditory / visual signals. Need motivation to learn skills to alter behaviour outside therapy room
Not necessarily suitable for everyone
But not a major limitation - no more of a limit than it is for SIT / drug therapy
